Pete Apple joined Torch as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs and as a member of the Board of Directors in March 2006. Before joining Torch Technologies, he was Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) Defense Group in Huntsville. Prior to the acquisition of Nichols Research Corporation (NRC) by CSC he was Vice President of Corporate Development for Nichols Research. In this capacity his leadership supported the accelerated growth of NRC from 150 employees to approximately 1,500 at the time of acquisition by CSC. He is heavily involved in the promotion and growth of the business community in general, and the Aerospace industry in particular, in Huntsville. Mr. Apple serves on the Board of Directors of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, The Arc of Madison County, and The Executive Committee of the Saturn V Restoration Initiative of the Space and Rocket Center. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Botanical Gardens and the Constitution Village and Early Works.